A Dorset Police spokesperson said: “The majority of the cargo that washed up on Chesil beach last week had been badly damaged and was beyond use. It remains the property of the cargo owners.

“Dorset Police’s main priority is the safety of the public. Over the past few weeks, in many of Dorset’s coastal areas landslips have remained a real risk and people should not put themselves at increased danger.”

The partnership is working with landowners, volunteers and other agencies to coordinate the clean-up effort, the cost of which is being covered by the loss adjustor for the container ship.

Volunteer beach cleaning efforts are taking place at Southbourne Beach at 10.30am on Sunday, March 9; at Hengistbury Head on Saturday, March 15 and on Wednesday, April 2; and the Great Dorset Beach Clean on Sunday, April 27.

Anyone finding or taking washed up property should inform the receiver of wreck. Visit www.dft.gov.uk/mca for more information.